Texas Tech University Top Questions

Transitioning to college was very difficult for me. I was the first person in my family to go to college. Looking back, I wish I had talked more to my HS teachers about what college would really be like and what little things I would need to do to be successful. The big stuff, like locating services on campus and how to register are covered in the catalog. But, the real stuff like how to negotiate with a roommate and getting enough exercise and eating right were not. I also would have liked to have known how to talk to my professors and how to figure out what they want - every professor is different. I also would advise myself to enjoy college. In my head, I thought college had to be a certain way and I wish I had known that I decide how college is supposed to be. I would also advise myself to keep in touch with my friends after college - they were great!

Sometimes I would absolutely love to go back and give myself advice. I would tell myself that college and being more independent is amazing but definately has its disadvantages. I would tell myself to learn to be a good time manager because in college, things can happen so fast. Do not wait until the last minute to do something because time runs out quickly. Also, I would give the advice that living on campus is a great idea. You are closer to class and meet so many more people than you ever would off campus. Also, it gives you the chance to get extra help at sessions. There are good things though. You can make your class schedule to fit you. If you want, you can have all morning classes or all afternoon ones. Most of all, I would tell myself to enjoy every minute of it because it is a wonderful experience!

As a senior in high school you have loads of stress from just having to apply for the right college to trying to keep the GPA up. I have had an amazing experience at Texas Tech University, this university really had all types of programs that helped you move into the dorms, pick your classes, and socials that help you meet other people. If I was able to go back in time I would defiantly tell myself that I make sure that all the colleges I apply to have a sense of home and commitment to the success of its students. Also make sure that the college I apply to has people that are willing to help you in any type of situation. As in to the process of transferring from your high school, that has all the people you have known since you started school, to a college full of new people; it is hard but the only thing that you need to remember that it is all worth it in the end. Having confidence in you is the main factor in each individual?s success in college.

I would tell myself to take advantage of the AP system and do well on the exams that way I will be ahead. If, let?s say, I didn?t pass an exam and I had to take the class again I would still have an idea of the information that will be covered. I would tell myself to exercise and eat well so I could be strong for what was about to come, like they say ?Strong body means strong mind.? The next advice would be to research information on how college life would be or talk to someone who has experienced it. Since I was the first person to go to college I felt like I was blindfolded during my application process. Also, I would say that I needed to take advantage of all of the scholarships out there. Lastly, I would tell myself to spend more time with my family and friends and to cherish the time I had left with them, because college can get rather lonely. Sure you?ll make friends in college but family is first. They are the people that raised you and their love for you will never end.

If I were able to go back in time to just a short time ago as a senior in high school, I would. I would go back and tell myself to prepare now for the strenuous classes. I would tell myself to soak in as much knowledge as possible in order to succeed as a college student. It is necessary to study hard and devote hours to college classes. The transition from high school to college is extremely different. Prepare for not having mom and dad around to help, prepare to be your own parent, and be responsible. I would tell myself to get involved in campus organizations, because they do help you stay connected. I would tell myself to take a deep breath because it is going to be the time of your life.

I would say that it's ok to put yourself out there and meet other people. Just because they aren't talking to you doesn't mean that they don't want to. another thing is to watch the grades in every class, don't just settle for the B. Strive for the A! Since you have to live with someone other than your parents it will keep both you and your roommate happy if the space is kept clean. Last but not least, never EVER give up on anything.

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school I would tell myself to take all of the dual credit college courses I could. Start getting good study habits; and when you get to college don?t be afraid to meet new people. Introduce yourself to other student and your teachers, because sometimes it?s not what you know but who you know.

To not be afraid of the bigger things in life and try to be social more and actually go out there and put yourself in the circle. Also not to be afraid to ask teachers or fellow students for help if needed and realize people are there to help

If I went back in time and was able to give myself some advice I would tell myself to try to do my best in high school, to workout , and manage my money. I did not do my best in high school; therefore, it held me back little in my college education. I would also let myself know to workout. I could then have a chance at sports and earning a scholarship, and I could look good for the ladies at the same time. Finally, I would let myself know to save money. I am continuing to struggle to pay for college. My mother is a single parent with two kids and made less than $20,000.

The transition to college has been very difficult for me and if I could go back to my high school self I would tell me not to be lazy because college is difficult. High school was a breeze and as for the "not having to study" and "i'll do it later" stuff, it has got to end. A 3.6 GPA doesn't come easy and you'll learn that if you don't get your act together. The moment you don't go to class and the second you decide reading isn't that important is the point in which you fail. You wanted to get into college to be better than what your parents are and being lazy along with not following through on promises makes you no better than them. "GO TO CLASS!" those are the words that will start you on the right track.

I would honestly tell myself to calm down. As scary as college seems in high school, it really isn't bad at all. I have had the time of my life and have genuinely learned things that I will remember for the rest of my life. I have met the people that will be in my life always and have created bonds with people that I never knew existed. I would tell myself to keep working hard, but to relax because everything will work out perfectly. A GPA is important, but it's not the most important thing.

I would tell my seft that it is not as scary as it seems. Try to decide what you want to do as soon as posible. Get more involved with activities. Don't stress out so much just take one thing on at a time.

Stress in not needed for a person who is destined to succeed. Even though this year has been the toughest for you don't let you life's situations put you down. Long as you have a higher power to look up to money will never be an issue for you. What else can you ask for Porshae'? Give yourself credit if no one else does. Your grades and experiences tell it all. College will be a challenge that you will overcome just like everything else in life you've concurred. Stay focused and don't let others or yourself put you down. All the extra credit, staying after school and work that you've done will pay off. Grandma and Papa will be very proud of you, just wait and see. Don't over analyze things that will come in time. You cannot rush the future. Take the time out to appreciate everything you do have and what will come to you.

I would give myself the advice of seriously scouting out the school i wish to attend. Tech was the only school i visited and i chose it because of it's distance to my home and my family. While distance is good, there are sometimes when I need to be back home due to emergencies or just the fact that i do love my family. Also my major was undeclared when i came here and now that i'm here i sometimes wish i looked more into what i wanted my major to be before i made the big leap to attend a school that doesn't quite have what i'm looking for. I'm enjoying my time here and still trying new things and having a good time before i crack down on my studies but i can't always go out every weekend when i know i have homework. Sometimes you can't just squeeze everything into Sunday night when you know you have other things due very close to that day. Also, life is always happening whether you want it to or not so don't miss out on it.

Quite simply, first it would be to take all the AP classes offered. Prepare for the AP tests, knowing what scores I need for credit, and to prepare to hit those marks. Additionally, I would take summer classes at Community College to prepare myself somewhat for the transition and to knock out the easy but tedious core classes; aim for just 6 hours to get a good headstart going in. I would remind myself of the importance of attending class at all costs, just because no one's watching doesn't mean you can slack off. Furthermore, when it comes to finals preparation, studying earlier is better than studying more and cramming only works for joke classes. Any real class you won't be able to cram for. At all costs I would further suggest to not take any core class at a real university when it can be taken at community college (almost guaranteed passing) and transferred. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I would strictly tell myself that the more I do right away and get done will give me more time to do everything else I want to do. Simply work before play and do it right away.

If I could go back to high school my senior year, knowing all I know now I would sit myself down and say, "Stephanie, you must study hard and learn all you can right now and obtain the best grades you are capable of. You will go to college and earn your degree. Life after college will be much easier if you get your college degree when you are young instead of waiting to you are older. Do all you can do and give everything 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c}!"

The advice I would give myself would be: WORK YOUR BEHIND OFF!! My senior year, I might have slacked off more than I should have, and I could have used the better grades for more opportunities in college. Also, if I could go back, I would do more dual-credit classes so that way I could move right along through the classes that are not necessary and a waste of time and money. Working harder and doing dual-credit classes would by my only regret for not doing. I wish I had someone to tell me it would be very benefitial to do both of those instead of cruising through with "senioritis".

I would tell myself that its okay to stay at community college until I figure out what I want to do with my education and future. I would insist that don't rush away to college just to get out of my parents house. How much I would miss being with my family all of the time. How hard it is to do everything on your own with no financial support. To take advantage of the amount of college that my parents will help me with and not to waste that time worrying about things that will not even affect me later. To take control of my responsibilities, set priorities and take care of business. Study every day, not just the day before your tests. Join groups, organizations, and build relationships that hold you accountable and don't reflect you negatively. You have your whole life to have fun and be free from parents. When you finish college you will be able to spend money and you can do without that new pair of jeans. There's plenty to worry about when you enter the job field so take this time to enjoy but prioritize your life as a student.

If I could go back in time to tell myself advice about college I would tell myself to don't worry have fun but keep in mind that academics is my first priority at all times.

Hey, Nkassi. I know you're excited and all about finally getting away from high school life and getting into college life, but don't forget what this big change in your life is for. Yes, what mom and dad have been telling you since elementary school is true: you MUST work hard to succeed, because you won't get where you want to be if you don't have the drive to work for what you want to do. Don't brush off what advice your parents have given you. The "future you" has already had a semester's taste of what happens when you even try to push certain studies aside. And last, but not least: have fun. Going into med school will be tough, but that doesn't mean you should shut yourself away into your room to study. Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) needs to have a little excitement in their life. If there's one thing I learned, it's that friends are very valuable. Stress will bite you in the butt and it's up to your friends to push you through every obstacle college life has to offer you. Good luck, Nkassi!

"Remember it takes courage for someone to say 'this is not enough' for someone to move forward. In college there's going to be plenty of obstacles in front of you and you'll get frustrated and want to give up but you've got to remind yourself it's not enough to just pass the assignment or course. We might not always know what 'this' is, possibly a math test, a sculpture, or simply taking notes in class. We have to strive to be our best because what we want for our future asks so much more than just passing because as an artist a piece is never enough, as a Computer Science minor we want to know what more a computer can do because a computer can always be improved, and as ourselves - as I am - we have to strive beyond 'just enough' and take that one step further to wow the world with our dreams when we say and show that we believe 'this is not enough.'"

I believe that i would not change much at all. I have had a wonderful time during my college career and am not looking forward to it ending. But, if i had to change anything, i would have taken as many dual credit classes in highschool as possible. The level of the basic classes here are higher than normal and sometimes discourage people from completing there undergrad and dropping out. If i were to change my major for any reason i would have started in petroleum engineering due to the fact there will probably many jobs in this wiltering econmy, and it may not require me to go onto graduate school like i am going to have to, to pursue my career as a pharmacist. In the end, choice something you will enjoy the rest of your life, and make sure it is something that you could help make a difference in the world that we live in today and for the future.

There are many things I would do over and many other things I wouldn't change. In college, who you know and decide to do things with is a big part of who you are. Seeing I could go back in change a few things, I would have tried to meet many more people than I did. And not just the same type of people as you already are but different types of people involved in many different things., giving me a verity in my college experience. Other things I would have change would be to take more time on college test, as they are of not the same caliber of material form high-school. I would also have waited to buy some of my dorm stuff until I was up in college to see if I really need it. For the most part I actually consider myself lucky. I did not make any major mistake in judgement, decision or activities I involved myself in. As I finish my college degree I?m sure there will be many more mistakes on my behalf. Though, those mistakes make me who I am and who I will be.

Honestly, if I were able to go back in time and give myself advice about college and making a transition, I probably would choose not to. I believe the initial college experience is based off of the worry and anxiety that students have when they first reach college. If I had come to college and known exactly what to expect I do think my experiences would have been vastly different. There would have been no surprise or elation in realizing that being a college student is actually pretty simple. Aside from school, college is about branching out, having new experiences, making new friends- things that aren't exactly "new" if you can see them coming.

I would definitely tell myself to save all my money so I could go through the semester without having to go home to work. Also i would tell myself to focus on math more because that is the area that I am struggling with. I would tell myself to apply for more scholarships because I really need them more then I thought. Also to follow my gut instincts.

As a High School Senior I thought that i had college life all figured out. Looking back at it all now, my outlook on college was very askew. If i had the chance to tell myself some advise one year ago i think i would stress time managment. In High School there was not as much work as there is in college. In High School i was able to get my entire work load in a couple of hours. I would tell myself to prepare for a minimum of 10 hours of homework and study time a week. I would also emphasize the importance of dual credit. The few hours I did obtain in HIgh School were such a huge help. I would have told myself to take more. The last and most important thing I would tell myself would be to not underestimate myself. We are capable of so much, we just need to go for it and not hold anything back.

Don't worry if your parents are really breathing down your neck right now, or if the stress of applying for college and scholarships is really getting to you. Very soon, in only a few months, you will be living independently. It is an exhilarating feeling. Just make sure you use this freedom. Take time to explore your university and the surrounding town. Don't limit yourself to staying in your dorm all the time. Become curious about the world and the people who live in it. Maybe join an organization. Definately smile and talk to other people- both adults and students. But, make sure you take your time to do all of this exploring. Don't feel rushed and consider any consequences of your actions. This is the time to find yourself in this huge world, so explore!

have fun, stay focus in your school work. ask for help when you need it. be proud of where you have come from and where you are heading.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior about what I know now for being in college for 3 years, I would tell myself the correct major to pick and that no matter what happens at home or in life to never give up. I would also encourage myself to come out of my shell and get involved in activities on campus and not be scared to make new friends. I might also start off at a community college instead of a big university that way my GPA will be good and look great when i graduate from college. I might also give myself advice on going to a different college away from home so that way it forces me to make new friends and actually get out of the dorm room and get involved. The last piece of advice I would say is to never give up and to never doubt myself when times get rough and to remain working hard that way I can get more financial help to pay for my schooling, but no matter what happens to have fun and remember my college friends and days.

As a high school senior, I didn't realize how important taking notes, studying and putting forth alot of effort would have on my college career. Today I have learned the value of studying, applying myself more than I ever dreamed I would and making sure the choices I make today will impact my life in the future.

Going back to the 2008-2009 school year when I was a senior at Coram Deo Academy in North Texas, I would not tell myself a great deal about college except that it would not be as easy as graduates before me suggested. Because I attended a college prepatory school for all of middle and high school, I believed I would be completely ready for college, and this was verified by others who graduated before me, went to college, and felt that classes were easier than in high school. I would also tell myself as a senior that I need to plan to get more involved in university life, which would make me work harder on my studies. I have come to learn in college that I work better under pressure. I should have gotten involved in more activities on and off campus at the beginning of college, rather than sitting idle in my room and putting off the assigned reading and homework for classes.

Look closely and carefully because the choices you make now affect your future. This is a big decision and you should'nt take it lightly. Make sure you research the field of study you want and pick the school that can offer you the most to achieve your goals.

I would tell young self to work harder in my dual-credit classes because it effects my future G.P.A. I would also tell myself to look more in-depth at different colleges because there are a variety of different things that some colleges offer and others don't. I would also tell myself to put more consideration into the possibility of going to college closer to home, because of the problems that being far away from home cause. Towards the endof my senior year i knew where i was going to college but i didnt know exactly what to expect or how to handle certain things, so finally i would advise myself for help from those around me who knew what college is like instead of trying to do everything on my own and making mistakes.

Fortunately, I was able to attend a college preparatory high school and learned early on the importance of balancing your time and studying. If I hadn't, I would be telling myself to make sure and attend class every day. Take good notes and read over them every night. Please don't procrastinate because it only makes studying for tests that much more stressful. Also, don't be afraid to raise your hand in class or ask a question. Professors are there to help me succeed and they welcome any questions. In the beginning, it will be hard to balance new friends, new atmosphere, new routine, new independence, but you MUST be able to find time to study, study, study. Don't be afraid to stand up and set a good example for your friends. Start a study group. Attend a study group. But, most importantly, study...you will be glad you did!

The main advice I would give myself is to do more to prepare myself financially for college. Looking back, I now realize I missed several opportunities to improve my qualifications for financial aid, such as raising my ACT score, or taking the SAT to get another score. I would also advise myself to apply for more scholarships. The financial aid they give you is really important in order to make school more affordable. Such awards won't cover the entirety of college. The only other advice I would give myself is to not take on a larger work load than I could handle. If you do and can't manage your time appropriately, there can be negative consequences.

If I was able to go back and give myself advice in high school it would have to be don't take your high school years for granted. I would advise for more AP classes because colleges look for students who challenge themselves and taking AP tests provide a great opportunity to walk into college with credit hours. Also, I would suggest taking advantage of the summer by taking dual credit courses at the near by community college because it helps in the long run in tuition and eases the stress of getting your prerequisite courses completed. After all of the college applications are completed set time for searching for scholarships, grants, or loans. There are unlimited sources where students can find financial aid, you just have to take advantage of your time in high school. The last thing I would tell myself would be that the hard work will pay off in the future and open the door for better opportunities.

I have learned that college is the nuts and bolts of the rest of your life. Not only do you learn to network with others, you gain skills for a successful career. College is never something that is going to detain you in any way. But, these are things that everyone knows about college. If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school about college, I would say grab every opportunity you can. Know that you will make mistakes, and things will get better. Pick yourself up when you are feeling down. Be friendly to as many people as you can. Talk to an elderly person, not only do they have an endless supply of knowledge, but it warms your heart. Keep your friends close to your heart and your family closer. Finally, remember that you are so lucky to have this experience of going to college be sure to thank your parents for everything they have done to help you along the way, and soak up everything. College is a blast, and it goes by so fast, so hold on tight you are in for the ride of your life. :)

If I could go back in time and talk to my former self as a high school senior, I would encourage myself to complete more duel credit courses and AP classes. This would have given me more credited hours coming in to school and allowed me to graduate earlier. With the major and minor I am working on, I will need to take eighteen hours a semester as well as do school through each summer in order to graduate in four years. A smaller load each semester would be beneficial in many ways. I would be able to hold a part time job to help pay for school and I would have more time to study for important exams. It will be hard work and I can do it, but I wish I would have known to take college credited classes my senior year in high school to make my path to graduation easier.

After being in college for a semester, I know what it truly means to make the transition and adjust to the college life. If I were given the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior, I would discuss the importance of time management, responsibility, and long term goals. Since college is usually the first independent time in a young adult's life, learning to manage time wisely is key. With all of the different activities and distractions occuring on and off of college campuses, making sure you prioritize your time is very important in order to be successful. Independence in college means that you don't have your parents or guardians looking after you all the time and making sure that you are doing the right thing. This is when being responsible for yourself and your actions is necessary when making smart decisions. Also, college is the next step in preparing for a career, so it is important to consider your strengths and interests in order to figure out what path you want to take. Ofcourse, you don't have to know your career when you begin college, but it certainly helps to have ideas and goals!

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to remember to be more open and not as quick to make assumptions about others. College has helped me understand that I come in contact with many different people and there is no way I know what another person is experiencing. The actions of others are directly related to their current circumstances and it is easy to judge unless I take a step back and try to remember that their life experiences can be very different than mine, thus creating a behavior that I might considered out of the norm. In other words, I would advise myself to increase my understanding, empathy and patience for others.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would be more serious about taking tests. Test taking is not my strength; I would take more time out to learn from my mistakes. In high school, I couldn?t wait to graduate, not because I didn?t like my school, but because I knew that there were more bigger and better things that are in life than just being in school. Not only that, but to also feel that there are teachers who care about my education. I would tell myself to not be in any or everything that the school has to offer. Now that I am in college, I realized it?s not about all the activities that you are in , it?s about how well you present yourself, the grades you make, and most of all its about how well you want to be successful in life. Lastly, I would tell myself to figure out what I wanted to be/do with the rest of my life before my senior year. This way, I wouldn?t be pressured to make last minute decisions that would eventually affect me.

I would tell myself that I needed to learn how to study. Before college, I never had to study. When I started college, I thought that I could still pass by doing what I did in high school: nothing. Instead of passing, however, I did horribly in all of my classes. Now, I am working extremely hard so I can get back on track with my life. That's what I would tell myself.

Given there is a time gap of about 20 years between my high school senior year and the year I returned to college to complete my bachelor's degree, a great deal of information was made available to me in that time. My main advice to myself, and any other student entering college studies, would be that if you aren't sure what your end goal is, you may be wasting your time and resources. After my first year of college right out of high school, I realized that I hadn't gone to college because I wanted to, but because everyone else wanted me to. Over the years, I would dabble, taking a college course here and there, but it still wasn't my goal, still it was what others said I should do. When I entered Texas Tech in 1998, at age 37, it was finally my goal to complete the degree, my wish to learn natural resources management at a top school. And though I worked full time during my full time studies, and celebrated the birth of my youngest son during this time as well, I succeeded. Only because it was MY goal.

If I had the chance to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself several things in order to survive college. I would tell myself to make sure you really know how to study. Do not wait until the last minute and cram the night before a test. College does not work like that. Most likely test are over several chapters and you actually have to take the time before and study for tests. You should make sure and learn how to take good notes, not just what teachers put on powerpoints. You have to go beyond powerpoints and write down what is important. Make sure you go to class. Going to class will only benefit you in the long run. If you do not go to class, you are likely to miss important information or pop quizes. I would also tell myself to look for and apply for as many scholarships as possible. If not your going to have to go all on student loans and then it will take several years after you graduate to pay them off. I would also tell myself to have fun and enjoy college.

Going back to my senior year I felt I was on top of the world. I had been accepted into the college I wanted to go to and I was basically the "it" girl at my high school. I had no cares and the last thing on my mind was classes and my ACT score. Yet looking back now and having completed my first year of college I have alot a things I would love to go back and tell myself. First off I would have to study harder and set stricter goals for myself. Although I graduated top of my class, the work load is tons different here at college. I also would tell myself to worry about my ACT score and take it as many times as I could, because the higher you make the more scholarship money you can get, and money is scarce as a college student. I also would tell myself to start having an open mind and realize that I am about to go off where I know nobody and not going to be the center of everyone's world. I need to focus on school and my grades, not my social life.

I would tell myself to take as many different classes in high school as possible. It's good to get a broad knowledge of your talents and interests out of the way in high school so you don't have to do it in college. You already have that preception in your head of what you like and don't like, so it narrows the area of thinking when you are deciding on your major. Also, start practicing priciples that are used frequently in college such as making flash cards. Repetition is the key to sucess. Once you have that strong foundadtion cemented as a routine, it's going to make things alot easier. For the most part, you know what your passionate about. Don't doubt yourself. Take the money aspect out of the equation, and pick something you can truely see yourself doing for the rest of your life and being happy. If your happy, everything will work out.

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to concentrate more in school and pay attention in class. Also, I would tell myself to take challenging courses. High school really doesn't prepare you for University course work. If I could of taken Honors, Pre-AP, or AP courses, I would of.

I would definately have to say the transition from highschool to college was very rough for me. Coming from a very small 1A school to such a huge University, I wasn't fully ready. In addition, although I did very well in highschool, was at the top of my class, and took advanced classes, Honors College at Texas Tech was simply too much for me to handle. Had I known what I know now, I would definately tell myself to take it slow, space out my work load, don't procrastinate, and don't worry so much because I will do just fine as long as I stay focus and work hard. I would also tell myself that God already has a plan for me and to step aside and let him do his job, because he has a bigger and better plan for me than I would have ever created for myself.

I would have told myself to apply for more scholarships. I had enough money to pay for an entire year of school but I definitely do not have enough money for next year. A lot of my friends got their entire schooling paid for, and then some, just by hunting for and applying for scholarships. I plan on scholarship hunting over this semester in order to have an easier time, financially in college.

I somehow always thought that going off to college would change everything. Though now being here, I realize that college is just another step in life and it?s something we all do. If I could tell myself the most important thing about college as compared to high school is time management. Life at college is all based upon this concept. Everything Ido is all based around how I manage my time and what I do with it. I also realize that my studies at college take a lot more time and effort, but I do believe that I have a lot of down time to do whatever I want. College is way better than I could?ve imagined and I have the freedom to choose to do whatever I want whenever you want. I am aware that I am on my own and I must do what I think is best. College is exciting, fun, challenging, different, and the gateway to my life.